العادات و النمط الغذائي لاستهلاك الأسماك لعينة من السعوديين و المقيمين في المملكة العربية السعودية : دراسة مسحية بمكة المكرمة

الملخص EN

This study explored the habits and food patterns of fish consumption in Holy Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The study covered a random sample of Saudis and residents in Holy Mecca.

Out of 800 self-administered questionnaires, that were randomly distributed, 727 completed questionnaires were returned and used for the study purposes.

Saudi and residents in the sample represent 51.2% and 48.8% successively.

The results of the study showed a relatively high educational levels among the respondents since about 47% were university graduates.

The most consumed meat was light meat, especially chicken (75.8%), yet, the most consumed of red meat was mutton (about 45%).

The use of Analysis Variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistically significant relationship between nationality (Saudi and non Saudi) and red meat consumption (probability = 0.000), while statistically non-significant relationship was found concerning chicken consumption chicken (probability = 0.07).

A high proportion of the respondents (about 75%) consumed fish because of their perceived great benefits.

The study also revealed a statistically significant relationship between nationality and the consumption of fresh, dried and salted fish.

Saudis prefer the consumption of fried fish and Saiadia rice, which contain a high level of fat that could have negative effects on public health.

Non-Saudis, however, prefer the consumption of oven-cooked, grilled or boiled fish, which contain low levels of fat, in addition to rice, bread and fresh cooked-vegetables.

Although the relatively high levels of awareness, concerning the nutritional importance of fish consumption, among Saudis compared with non-Saudis, the study revealed high levels of fish consumption, (reaching to tow times weakly), among non-Saudis.

This result could be due to the fact that fish are rather cheaper than other kinds of meat.

The study recommended the necessity for increasing the awareness of Saudis and residents concerning the importance of fish consumption.